British Rail Class 333 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 333 |
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333002 at Ilkley in February 2020
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| In service | 2001 - Current |
| Manufacturer | Siemens Mobility and CAF |
| Refurbishment | 2018-2020 |
| Number built | 16 trainsets |
| Formation | 4 cars per trainset |
| Capacity | 360 seats |
| Operator(s) | Northern Trains |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
| Weight | 147.9 t (3 cars) 186.4 t (4 cars) |
| Power output | 1.4 MW |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC Overhead |
| Braking system(s) | Regenerative air brake |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
The British Rail Class 333 is a type of electric train used in the United Kingdom. These trains were built by two companies, Siemens Mobility and CAF, and they started running in 2001. They are designed to carry many passengers quickly and efficiently, especially on busy routes.
Contents
What are Class 333 Trains?
The Class 333 is a special kind of train called an electric multiple unit. This means it's a train that gets its power from electricity and can run on its own without a separate engine. These trains were built by two big companies: Siemens Mobility from Germany and CAF from Spain. They are quite similar to the Class 332 trains.
How Many and How Big?
There are 16 of these Class 333 trains in total. Each train is made up of four connected parts, which are called 'cars' or 'carriages'. This design allows them to carry a lot of people.
Who Uses Them?
Since they first started running in 2001, these trains have been operated by Northern Trains. They are a common sight on railway lines in the north of England.
Where Do Class 333 Trains Run?
These trains are mainly used on routes around West Yorkshire, a busy area in England. They connect cities like Leeds and Bradford with other towns such as Skipton, Ilkley, and Doncaster. They are very important for daily commuters and other travellers in this region.
Inside the Train
Each Class 333 train can carry up to 360 passengers in its seats. This makes them very useful for busy routes where many people need to travel at the same time. Between 2018 and 2020, all the Class 333 trains were updated. This 'refurbishment' made them more modern and comfortable for passengers.
How Class 333 Trains Work
These trains are electric, which means they don't use diesel fuel. Instead, they get their power from overhead electric lines, which carry 25,000 volts of alternating current (AC). This power helps them move along the tracks.
Speed and Power
The Class 333 trains can reach a top speed of 100 mph (about 161 kilometers per hour). They have a powerful engine that can produce 1.4 megawatts of power. This allows them to travel quickly and keep to their schedules.
Special Brakes
The trains use a special type of braking system called 'regenerative air brakes'. These brakes not only help the train stop safely but also help save energy. When the train slows down, the brakes can turn some of the energy back into electricity, which can then be sent back to the power lines. This makes them more efficient!
Images for kids
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333011 in the original Northern Spirit livery
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The as-delivered interior of a Class 333 intermediate TSO vehicle
